The Florida State University athletic department announced Monday plans to honor the Seminole Tribe of Florida during FSU athletic competitions.
According to an announcement on the department website, games that feature the color turquoise on team apparel will now be known as "Seminole Heritage" games in tribute to the university's long-standing relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.The color turquoise represents harmony, friendship and fellowship in the culture of many Native Americans.
Florida State is currently one of a handful of schools that have regularly worn Nike's turquoise N7 basketball jerseys, which help provide sports and physical activity programs to youth in Native American and Indigenous communities. The Seminole men's basketball team first wore the jerseys in a win over the University of Tennessee-Martin in Tallahassee in 2013, and have worn the color at least once each season since then.
FSU's highly-ranked women's soccer program began suiting the goalkeeper in a turquoise jersey last season.
Florida State football coaches and sideline staff will be wearing gear featuring the color for the Homecoming game (against Duke on Oct. 21), which the Seminole Tribe of Florida actively participates in every year. Fans can honor and participate in FSU's long-standing relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida with new Seminole Heritage fan jerseys, which will be available at select retailers beginning Sept. 9. A limited release of sideline gear will be available Oct. 2.
A portion of the proceeds from Seminole Heritage merchandise will go toward Florida State's Native American and Indigenous Studies Center to support programs for Indigenous youth at FSU and public education about the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
